Happy 177th Birthday

Our successes reflect the work of our dedicated and diverse staff and volunteers, from our first employee, William McPeake, to all of you here today.

Smithsonian staff gather on the National Mall to create a human replica of the Smithsonian sunburst logo. (Photo by Eric Long)

After a decade of heated debate, on August 10, 1846, President James K. Polk signed legislation establishing the Smithsonian Institution for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.”  The legislation called for the creation of a Board of Regents, a Chancellor, and the Secretary; a “suitable” building with rooms for the “reception and arrangement” of objects of natural history, a chemical laboratory, a library, a gallery of art, and lecture rooms; the transfer to the Institution of “all objects of art, natural history, etc.,” then belonging to the United States in Washington; and the deposit in the Smithsonian of one copy of all publications copyrighted under the acts of Congress.

Since its establishment, the Smithsonian has become the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums, the National Zoo, nine research facilities and many educational organizations.  Our 177th anniversary presents us with both a unique opportunity and also reminds us of an urgent obligation—to share our spirit of learning and optimism and help shape Our Shared Future.  With that in mind, this anniversary coincides with a period of exceptional activity across the Smithsonian to prepare for another significant milestone, the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.  As One Smithsonian, we are developing ways to help Americans celebrate, reflect, and come together by reminding them of who we are and what we can be.  I look forward to you joining with me in this exciting time.

The “increase and diffusion of knowledge” has been at the heart of everything the Smithsonian has done, and since 1846, we have proudly shared our accomplishments with hundreds of millions of people across America and around the world. Our successes reflect the work of our dedicated and diverse staff and volunteers, from our first employee, William McPeake, to all of you here today.

At the first meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, on 7 September 1846, the president of the board, George M. Dallas, appointed William McPeake as doorkeeper and messenger to the board. McPeake, then, is the first paid employee of the Smithsonian Institution. McPeake worked for the board, especially the Building Committee, until his death in 1862, at a salary of $1. per day. (Courtesy Smithsonian Libraries and Archives)

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